A new ring fixator system for automated bone fixation

Int J Med Robot. 2024 Jun;20(3):e2637. doi: 10.1002/rcs.2637.

Abstract

Background: In the field of orthopaedics, external fixators are commonly employed for treating extremity fractures and deformities. Computer-assisted systems offer a promising and less error-prone treatment alternative to manual fixation by utilising a software to plan treatments based on radiological and clinical data. Nevertheless, existing computer-assisted systems have limitations and constraints.

Methods: This work represents the culmination of a project aimed at developing a new automatised fixation system and a corresponding software to minimise human intervention and associated errors, and the developed system incorporates enhanced functionalities and has fewer constraints compared to existing systems.

Results: The automatised fixation system and its graphical user interface (GUI) demonstrate promising results in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.

Conclusion: The developed fixation system and its accompanying GUI represent an improvement in computer-assisted fixation systems. Future research may focus on further refining the system and conducting clinical trials.

Keywords: automation; deformity correction; lambda fixator; ring fixator.

MeSH terms

  • Automation
  • Equipment Design
  • External Fixators*
  • Fracture Fixation* / instrumentation
  • Fracture Fixation* / methods
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery
  • Humans
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Software*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted* / instrumentation
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted* / methods
  • User-Computer Interface*